Priscilla Kelly
Priscilla Lee Kelly (born June 5, 1997) is an American professional wrestler, valet,[1] and former actress currently signed to WWE, performing on their NXT brand under the ring name Gigi Dolin.[3]
Priscilla Kelly | |
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![]() Kelly in August 2019 | |
Birth name | Priscilla Lee Kelly |
Born | Douglasville, Georgia, U.S. | June 5, 1997
Spouse(s) | |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Priscilla Kelly Gigi Dolin |
Billed height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)[1] |
Billed weight | 114 lb (52 kg)[1] |
Billed from | Moon Creek, Georgia[2] |
Trained by | Murder-1[1] |
Debut | March 2015[1] |
Before signing with WWE, Kelly had previously been signed Major League Wrestling (MLW). She is best known for her appearances in Shine Wrestling, where she is a former Shine Nova Champion.[4]
Early life
Priscilla Lee Kelly was born into a family of Romanichal descent[5] in Douglasville, Georgia, on June 5, 1997.[1] She left school at the age of 12. When she was 14 years old, she took part in the first season of the reality show My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, in which she was the main focus of the episode "14 and Looking for Mr. Right".[6][7][8] Her younger brother introduced her to professional wrestling.[8][9]
Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit (2015–2021)
Kelly made her professional wrestling debut in March 2015 in a tag team match, where she and Devyn Nicole lost to Amanda Rodriguez and Amber O'Neal.[10] In June, she was defeated by Kiera Hogan.[11] In May 2016, she was defeated by Kimber Lee.[12] In December 2016, she defeated Tessa Blanchard.[13] In September 2016, Kelly made her Women Superstars Uncensored debut where she and Nevaeh lost to Samantha Heights and Brittany Blake.[14] At Breaking Barriers 4, she defeated Penelope Ford and Renee Michelle.[15] In August 2017, she defeated Leva Bates.[16] Later that month, she defended her Shine Nova title against Jordynne Grace.[17] In December, Kelly, Cheerleader Melissa and Mercedes Martinez defeated Laurel Van Ness, Delilah Doom and Deonna Purrazzo.[18] In April 2018, she made her DDT Pro-Wrestling debut where she, Toru Owashi, and Kazuki Hirata were defeated by Saki Akai, Yukio Sakaguchi and Masahiro Takanashi.[19]
In December 2018, Kelly wrestled a notable match against Tuna for the Suburban Fight promotion in Los Angeles. During the match, with Tuna laid out on a steel chair, Kelly pulled out a bloody tampon from her tights and stuck it in Tuna's mouth. Footage of the match received little attention for over a week until fellow wrestler Gail Kim commented on Twitter in disgust, after which the footage went viral. Wrestling veterans such as Jim Ross, Angelina Love, and Tessa Blanchard also commented negatively, while Gregory Helms jokingly asked if it was a "First Blood Match".[20][21] Kelly defended the angle, stating that it took place in a bar that required audience members to be 21 or older and that it was simply for entertainment, confirming that the tampon's use was a scripted event in the match and that it was not actually a used tampon.[22][23] She later commented that women are held to a double standard compared to men, citing Joey Ryan sticking a lollipop into numerous wrestlers' mouths after pulling it out of his tights (Ryan would later be accused of sexual assault by several women during the Speaking Out movement in 2020).[24] Her sentiments were echoed by Reby Sky.[25][26] Figures such as Tommy Dreamer,[27] Tazz,[28] and Ryan came to Kelly's defense, all stating that she did her job and it worked. Road Dogg initially criticized her for the angle until Ryan called him out over similar angles during the Attitude Era, notably the infamous Mae Young "birthing a hand" angle, after which he publicly apologized to her.[25][26]
In July 2019, Kelly defeated James Ellsworth to become the World Intergender Champion at Cactus League Wrestling's "Rated R Wrestling" event in Tucson, Arizona.[29]
In November 2019, Kelly debuted for Major League Wrestling as the evil Spider Lady; losing to Zeda Zhang via disqualification and attacking Zhang while unmasking.[30]
World Wrestling Network (2016–2019)
In September 2016, Kelly made her Shine Wrestling debut at Shine 37 defeating Dominique Fabiano. Later that night, Kelly and Fabiano were defeated by then Shine Tag Team Champions, Jayme Jameson and Marti Belle.[31] At Shine 39, Kelly was defeated by Malia Hosaka.[32] In July 2017, Kelly became the inaugural Shine Nova Champion after winning the Shine Nova Championship Tournament where she defeated Veda Scott in the first round, Leah Vaughan in the second round, Kiera Hogan in the semi finals, and Candy Cartwright in the tournament finals.[33] At Shine 46, she defeated Santana Garrett to retain the Nova championship.[34] At Shine 49, Kelly lost the Nova title to Candy Cartright.[35] At Shine 51, she defeated Holidead.[36]
In January 2017, Kelly made her Full Impact Pro debut in a loss to Aria Blake.[37] At Heatstroke 2017, Kelly successfully defended her Shine Nova championship against Stormie Lee.[38][39]
In May 2017, she made her Evolve debut at Evolve 95, losing to Allysin Kay.[40]
She made her Style Battle debut defeating Dani J in August 2017.[41]
WWE (2018)
On July 30, 2018, it was announced that Kelly would be a participant in WWE's second Mae Young Classic.[2][8] She lost against Deonna Purrazzo in the first round.
Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (2018–2019)
Kelly made her debut for the Japanese Promotion Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling in April 2018, losing to the Dragon Bombers (Maho Kurone & Rika Tatsumi) in a Tag Team Match alongside Hyper Misao. She has since worked matches on several occasions in Japan, all under the umbrella of the DDT Pro-Wrestling Promotion, her latest match being a loss in the Tokyo Princess of Princess Championship Match against Miyu Yamashita (c) on October 14.[42] On October 10, 2018, Ethan Page, MAO, Mike Bailey and herself defeated Jun Kasai, Akito, Masahiro Takanashi and Saki Akai.[43]
All Elite Wrestling (2019, 2020)
Kelly made a surprise appearance at All Out, participating in the Casino Battle Royal. She also faced Britt Baker in a losing effort on the January 23rd episode of AEW Dynamite which was filmed from Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea Part Deux: Second Wave.
Return to WWE (2021–present)
On January 20, 2021, NXT announced they had signed Kelly, where she would be competing under the ring name Gigi Dolin and debut with her participation in the Women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.[3] She teamed up with fellow new signee Cora Jade (formerly known as Elayna Black on the indy circuit) in the tournament, where they faced The Way (Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell) in the first round.[44]
Professional wrestling persona and style
Kelly's gimmick was initially based on her past and appearance on My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, leading her to use the nicknames "Gypsy Princess" and "Gypsy Queen".[1][9][45] However, her persona has since adopted more of a gothic and sexual tone, and is now more based on a succubus.[9][46][45] She uses the nickname "Hell's Favorite Harlot",[1] and is known for using tactics such as biting and licking opponents during matches as a way to psyche them out.[2][9] She has often been compared physically to WWE wrestler Paige,[9] who also licked her opponents.[45] As well as being a professional wrestler, Kelly is also a valet and most notably valeted Austin Theory.[47][48]
Personal life
Kelly married fellow professional wrestler Darby Allin on November 21, 2018.[49] She announced in August 2020 that they were divorcing.[50][51] During an interview on Vickie Guerrero's podcast four months later, she confirmed that she and Allin were no longer married but remained friends.[50]
Championships and accomplishments
![](../I/Priscilla_Kelly_Shine_Nova_Champion.jpg.webp)
- F1RST Wrestling
- F1RST Wrestling Uptown VFW Championship (1 time)[52]
- Georgia Premier Wrestling
- Together We Fight Tournament (1 time) - with Chip Day
- Grim's Toy Show Wrestling
- GTS Intergender Champion (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 38 of the top 100 female wrestlers in the PWI Women's 100 in 2020
- Rogue Wrestling
- Rogue Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Vipress[53]
- Shine Wrestling
- Shine Nova Championship (1 time)[4]
References
- "Priscilla Kelly". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "Ashley Rayne, Priscilla Kelly and Xia Brookside join Mae Young Classic 2018". WWE. July 30, 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
- @WWENXT (January 20, 2021). "#WWENXT is proud to announce the signings of: Zoey Stark (FKA Lacey Ryan) Gigi Dolin (FKA Priscilla Kelly) Cora Jade (FKA Elayna Black) #WeAreNXT #DustyClassic @priscillakelly_ @ElaynaBlack @LaceyRyan94" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "Priscilla Kelly". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "The Gypsies Are Coming to America". Retrieved 20 September 2018.
- "'My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding': Gorgers Crash A Gypsy Halloween Party (VIDEO)". Huffington Post. May 3, 2012. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
- White, Tiffany (March 22, 2018). "Here's What the Brides From 'My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding' Are Doing Today". In Touch Weekly. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
- W, Brandi (July 31, 2018). "Priscilla Kelly: Hell's Favorite Harlot". Last word on pro wrestling. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- "Interview Priscilla Kelly: "I'm known for grinding, biting, licking and even kissing"". Wrestle List. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
- "AWE/WPW/MCW Culture Shock". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "AWE To Be The Man!". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "UIW". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "AWE ROAR". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "WSU Resurgence 2". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "WSU Breaking Barriers IV". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "AWE ROAR". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "WWR The Show Must Go On". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "AWS Again No Presents For Christmas - Final Battle". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "DDT Kasukabian! 2018". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- https://twitter.com/ShaneHelmsCom/status/1081683483754483712
- https://twitter.com/WrestlingSheet/status/1081678992812462086
- Satin, Ryan (January 5, 2019). "Priscilla Kelly Defends Viral Tampon Video, "Can't Take Life So Serious All the Time"".
- "Priscilla Kelly Sticks "Used Tampon" In Tuna's Mouth During Suburban Fight's 'Last Warning' Show | Fightful Wrestling". www.fightful.com.
- "Report: Bar Wrestling closed amid Joey Ryan sexual assault allegations". f4wonline.com. 2020-06-21.
- Hawks, Asa (January 6, 2019). "MBFAGW Priscilla Kelly uses bloody tampon prop in wrestling match, goes viral & sparks debate".
- Nature, Heel By (January 6, 2019). "Wrestler's React To Mae Young Classic Competitor Priscilla Kelly's 'Bloody Tampon' Spot". Wrestling News - Latest WWE, AEW, NJPW Pro Wrestling News | HeelByNature.com.
- Dreamer, Tommy [@THETOMMYDREAMER] (January 5, 2019). "Dear @priscillakelly_ // I get it // Its Mr.Socko female cousin // Ms.Stinkflo // Whatever it takes to entertain // You my dear are HARDCORE" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- @OfficialTAZ (January 5, 2019). "The business is about drawing, getting buzz along with a strong healthy/safe controversy...that equals getting over. You GOT OVER, keep kicking ass! twitter.com/priscillakelly_/status/1081651940029808640 …" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "RATED R Wrestling". Facebook. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
- "Priscilla Kelly Debuts In MLW". www.mandatory.com.
- "SHINE 37". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "SHINE 39". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "SHINE Nova Title Tournament". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "SHINE 46". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "SHINE 49". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "SHINE 51". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "FIP Everything Burns 2017". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "FIP Heatstroke 2017". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "First Defense By SHINE NOVA Champion Priscilla Kelly At FIP Heatstroke 2017!". World Wrestling Network. July 28, 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- "EVOLVE 85". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "Style Battle #01.06". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "Matches « Priscilla Kelly « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- "DDT Live! Maji Manji #20". Cagematch. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
- https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/bracket-revealed-first-ever-womens-dusty-rhodes-tag-team-classic
- Csonka, Larry (June 15, 2017). "Priscilla Kelly Discusses Her Sexual Gimmick, Comparisons to Paige". 411Mania. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- Hawks, Asa (July 5, 2017). "MBFAGW Priscilla Kelly is a goth professional wrestler billed as 'Hell's favorite harlot'". Starcasm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "EVOLVE 106". Cagematch. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "Priscilla Kelly". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- Thompson, Andrew. "Fight Size Update: Darby Allin And Priscilla Kelly Get Married, Jim Cornette YouTube Channel, John Cena Live Events, More". FIGHTFUL. Fightful. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
- "Priscilla Kelly explains why she and Darby Allin divorced, original plans for her in AEW". The Bharat Express News. December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
- https://411mania.com/wrestling/priscilla-kelly-darby-allin-divorcing-yoshi-hashi-thanks-fans-wwe-stock/
- "F1RST Wrestling Uptown VFW Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- "Rogue Grand Prix « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
External links
- Priscilla Kelly on Twitter
- Priscilla Kelly on WWE.com
- Priscilla Kelly's profile at Cagematch.net
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